Children with disabilities who would love to ski or snowboard are being offered the opportunity to do so as part of The Remarkables Adaptive Snowsports scholarship initiative.

Three scholarships are available and are aimed at, but not limited to, students in the Wakatipu region. Each scholarship covers the cost of three days on the slopes including three adaptive lessons, trained volunteer support, rental and lift passes.

The Remarkables Adaptive Programme Co-ordinator, Ross James said the scholarships provided the opportunity for children with a disability to have a go on the snow to decide if skiing or boarding could be an ongoing activity for them.

"The priority is for children wanting to try a snow sport for the first time - one of the main barriers for children participating in snowsports can be the initial cost of the one-on-one lessons required at the start," he said. "These scholarships remove that barrier and give the children the opportunity to decide if snowsports is for them."

Mr James said that for those who want to continue in snowsports after completing a scholarship, lots of support was available through the Adaptive Snowsports Programme and volunteers could step in once initial skills were in place.

"If we remove the cost barrier in the first few days, that barrier is substantially reduced as people build a skill base and work with volunteers rather than paid instructors," he added.

The Adaptive Snowsports Programme is designed to help people with disabilities enjoy snow sports by providing access to specialist adaptive equipment, trained adaptive instructors and volunteer snow buddies.

Mr James said the programme was well resourced with the latest equipment which meant there was no limit to who could participate.

"We've recently purchased a Rider Bar and a Ski Pal - the Rider Bar is a frame that is mounted on to a snowboard and is particularly helpful for people with low leg strength as it gives them the ability to support themselves with their upper body," he said. "The Ski Pal is a rectangular aluminium frame that helps volunteers and instructors work with students to develop turns and control speed."

Mr James said the equipment was crucial to the programme as it meant they could support people with a range of disabilities.

"Whether it be a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability, everyone can have a go and succeed," he said

The Adaptive Snowsports Programme was jointly developed by The Remarkables and Disabled Snowsports New Zealand (DSNZ) and the scholarships are funded by The Remarkables Adaptive Fund, The Halberg Trust Activity Fund, and The Remarkables Ski Area.

For more information about the programme or the scholarships email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone the Snowsports School on 442 4613.

Photo caption: Ross James instructs Geoff Jackson on the new Rider Bar equipment